Majority in U.S. Says Public Health Benefits of COVID-19 Restrictions Worth the Costs, Even as Large Shares Also See Downsides
73% say they are vaccinated, but at least half express confusion, concern over vaccine information and health impacts.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
73% say they are vaccinated, but at least half express confusion, concern over vaccine information and health impacts.
Majorities of Americans say the United States should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and take steps toward the country becoming carbon neutral by the year 2050. But just 31% want to phase out fossil fuels completely, and many foresee unexpected problems in a major transition to renewable energy.
46% of U.S. adults say the area where they live has had an extreme weather event over the past 12 months.
Overall, 46% of Americans say the statement “public health officials were unprepared for the outbreak” describes their views extremely or very well, including similar shares of Republicans and Democrats.
Majorities say scientific research on gene editing is a misuse – rather than an appropriate use – of technology. But public acceptance of gene editing for babies depends on how it will be used, and views often differ by age and religion.
Nearly seven-in-ten Americans think it is very important for the United States to be a world leader in scientific achievements.
Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.
There’s a 14-point gap between the shares of White and Black adults in the U.S. who say they have a great deal of confidence in scientists.
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
Several climate policies receive bipartisan support, despite Republicans and Democrats differing on the overall approach.
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